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Turn those ham leftovers into a comforting slow cooker soup that brings together soft lentils, crispy bacon bits, and a tomato-infused broth. This filling soup slowly cooks all day, building deep, layered flavors that'll remind you of meals from a country farmhouse.
The first batch of this soup I ever made sent such wonderful smells through my house that everyone kept coming to the kitchen to sneak a peek. Now we can't wait for holiday ham leftovers so we can whip up this totally different, mouthwatering meal.
Essential Ingredient Breakdown
- Thick-cut bacon sets up the rich flavor base, don't go for the thin stuff
- Vidalia onions contribute gentle sweetness that works against the smokiness
- Green or brown lentils stay firm during the long cooking time
- Carrots add both natural sweetness and bright pops of color
- Leftover ham chunks bring meaty texture and deep salty goodness
- Italian seasoning blends herbs throughout the whole pot
- Tomato sauce forms a smooth, thick broth foundation
Crafting Delicious Soup
- Starting Right:
- Begin with cold bacon in your pan and warm it slowly until it's perfectly crisp, roughly 8 minutes total.
- Building Taste:
- Toss your chopped onions, carrots, and celery into those bacon drippings and cook until they're soft and smell amazing.
- Adding Punch:
- Mix in freshly chopped garlic and stir just long enough to release its wonderful smell.
- Slow Cooker Work:
- Dump everything into your slow cooker and let it all come together over 6 to 8 hours.
- Last Touches:
- Try a spoonful and tweak the salt and pepper right before you serve to get the flavor just right.
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We love this soup most when it's freezing outside. The mix of tender lentils with smoky ham bits takes me back to my grandma's kitchen, though she never owned a slow cooker in her life.
Boosting Your Flavor Profile
What makes this soup special is how long it cooks. During those hours, the lentils soak up all the bacon and ham flavors, while your veggies slowly release their sweetness into the mix.
Getting The Timing Right
How long you cook changes what you get. Six hours on low gives you lentils with a bit of bite. If you go for eight hours, you'll end up with something thicker, more like a stew if that's what you want.
Jazzing Up Your Serving
Try topping each bowl with a little good olive oil and some fresh herbs. The hot soup with cool, fresh toppings really takes the whole thing up a notch.
Turning It Into A Meal
This hearty soup works great with a chunk of crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side. Add a simple green salad with a light dressing to balance out the richness.
Putting Your Stamp On It
Throw in some diced potatoes or mushrooms if you want it chunkier. Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or toss in a chopped jalapeño.
Storing Your Soup
Pop it in sealed containers in the fridge for up to four days. Warm it up slowly on the stove or zap it in the microwave. For later eating, freeze portions for up to six months.
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I've tried countless lentil soup recipes over the years, but this one stays our top pick. The mix of smoky ham, crunchy bacon bits, and soft lentils makes every spoonful feel like a hug in a bowl, great anytime but especially wonderful when it's cold outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a ham bone?
- Definitely, gives it extra flavor if you’ve got one.
- → Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Sure, just simmer for an hour until the lentils are soft.
- → What lentils work best?
- Green or brown ones are your safest bet.
- → Can I make it spicier?
- Throw in more red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
- → What if it’s too thick?
- Just add more broth while it cooks.